Inside Arizona's Online Medical Assistant Programs
Medical assistants support their communities by helping physicians deliver optimal patient results. To work in Arizona, you must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program, many of which can be completed online. Take the first step towards your medical career by comparing top online medical assistant programs in Arizona, exploring available credentials, reading answers to common questions, and discovering career opportunities for grads.
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Medical AssistingHealth ScienceComparing Online Medical Assistant Programs in Arizona
Starting a career as a medical assistant is one of the best ways to enter the healthcare field. In this role, you’ll support physicians with clinical and administrative duties, gaining firsthand experience with patient care and the daily operations of a medical practice. It’s also a great stepping stone if you’re thinking about advancing later — for example, into licensed practical nursing (LPN) or another healthcare career.
Arizona offers plenty of online and hybrid medical assistant programs to fit different learning styles and goals:
- Associate degree programs (2 years): Combine general education and medical assisting courses to build a strong academic and professional foundation.
- Certificate or diploma programs: Provide accelerated training for those who want to enter the workforce quickly.
Below, we’ll highlight three standout programs for Arizona students, then answer key questions about credentials and next steps in your medical assisting career.
Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy Diploma — Arizona College
Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, Arizona College’s Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy Diploma can be completed in under a year. Students complete classes and lectures online while gaining hands-on experience with in-person lessons, including lab-based courses that can be scheduled around their needs. The school has campuses in Glendale and Mesa.
As a bonus, students are gifted a pre-loaded iPad with their tuition to use throughout their program and keep it upon graduation. When they finish their studies, graduates leave with the skills and knowledge they need to begin careers as certified medical assistants or phlebotomists in Arizona. After graduation, they can access career support resources, including job placement assistance.
Duration: 7 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $16,998
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum: Student coursework falls under three umbrellas: clinical laboratory sciences, medical administrative procedures and technology, and health care fundamental and professional studies and externship courses.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Program — Central Arizona College
Central Arizona College offers a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program designed to prepare students to take the CCMA certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association. This fully online program is great for students seeking more flexibility as they pursue their education.
During the program, students gain the skills needed to begin careers as entry-level medical assistants, thanks to a curriculum that prepares them for the clinical and administrative tasks employers expect professionals to master. Coursework involves training students to take medical histories, effectively communicate with patients about the procedures and treatments they will receive, handle patient scheduling, and collect and prepare specimens for testing.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Curriculum: This program is split into two segments covering medical terminology and essential CCMA skills and knowledge. Topics covered include organ systems, diagnostic procedures, legal and ethical issues, patient scheduling, medical records, pathophysiology, health insurance, medical coding, pharmacology, exams and procedures, phlebotomy, administrative skills, and office management techniques.
Medical Assistant Certificate — Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program teaches students the clinical and administrative skills necessary to land an entry-level position in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and outpatient medical facilities. This hybrid, nine-month program is more flexible than most, allowing students to choose from four campuses across Arizona to complete their hands-on clinical learning experiences.
This program trains graduates to assist physicians in examining and treating patients and performing routine office tasks. Topics covered include sterilizing medical instruments, instructing patients about medications and special diets, authorizing drug refills, sending prescriptions to a pharmacy, taking electrocardiograms, drawing blood, giving injections, and more.
After earning their certificate, grads interested in furthering their education can earn an online Associate’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.
Duration: 9 months
Mode: Partially online
Cost: $2,403 in-state; $8,383 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Entrance examination
- Interview
- ACT scores
Curriculum: Classes focus on topics such as examination techniques, surgical procedures, medical office laboratory procedures, medical law, office management, insurance, billing and coding, and more. Students will gain hands-on experience interacting with patients, recording vital signs, collecting/preparing laboratory specimens, instructing patients about medications, authorizing drug refills, drawing blood, performing injections, taking electrocardiograms, and other medical assistant skills.
FAQs About Medical Assisting Programs in AZ
Now that you understand the types of available online medical assisting programs in Arizona, their cost, and their outcomes, more questions have likely popped up during your research. Since requirements, programs, and certifications vary between states, the most common student questions are about Arizona-specific programs and how to become a certified medical assistant in Arizona.
Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in AZ?
Whether or not you’ll be eligible for medical assistant grants or scholarships will depend on your circumstances. Scholarships may be available based on your academic performance or financial need, so when exploring your options, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to the requirements of each award you want to apply for. Research available financial aid and affordable online medical assistant programs. Be sure to apply for as many scholarships as you’re eligible for through your school, the federal government, and the state.
One available option for medical assistant students in Arizona is through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The AHCCCS partners with schools around the state to provide funding for students in different healthcare-related academic disciplines, including medical assisting.
Expert Insight
In my experience, I enrolled into an online medical assistant program that had payment plan options. There were also times of the year such as back to school where the program would offer limited time discounts on enrollment fees. So do not worry, there are options out there to pay for enrollment.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Arizona medical assistants?
The American Association of Medical Assistants, or AAMA, is the country’s largest professional organization for medical assistants. In addition to providing certification exams, they extend benefits to members, from networking and volunteering opportunities to continuing education and more.
The Arizona affiliate of this organization is the Arizona State Society of Medical Assistants (ASMA), which has a membership of people currently working as medical assistants, as well as students and retirees. The group helps promote the profession and ensures that medical assistants provide high-quality care by offering continuing education sessions and meetings. Also, community outreach is a priority for the ASMA, so members participate in volunteer activities such as providing free blood pressure screenings at health fairs.
Expert Insight
Community outreach is a great way to outsource. I attended a few while in the process of getting my medical assistant certification. I met individuals from several local medical offices. Through this I got to ask questions about what tasks medical assistant had. You should try to attend outreach activities as it will help get to know some of the local medical offices.
What are the admission requirements for Arizona medical assistant programs?
The admissions requirements for online medical assistant programs in Arizona are relatively flexible, although they vary from school to school. Most programs, like the one at Central Arizona College, require applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED. However, this is not always the case. Some schools may not require applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent to be admitted.
Generally speaking, there are no prerequisites to complete before applying to an online medical assistant program in Arizona. The curriculum is designed for entry-level students, as stated in Pima Medical Institute’s program description, so going in with no prior healthcare experience is not a problem.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
Most schools charge tuition per credit, though some may charge a flat fee for the entire program or by the semester or year. Although flat fees make it easier for students to figure out what they will be expected to pay, schools that charge per credit, like Arizona College, offer a tuition calculator where you can estimate your degree’s price.
Generally, an online medical assistant program in Arizona is less expensive than an associate or bachelor’s degree and typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. You can offset the price of your program by applying for financial aid.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Arizona cover?
Your program’s curriculum will vary depending on the type of degree you pursue. Diploma and certificate programs concentrate on the clinical and administrative skills people will need in the workforce. As a result, the curriculum covers medical office management, medical terminology, phlebotomy, and medical office communication.
On the other hand, if you enroll in an associate’s degree program, the curriculum will include a combination of medical assisting and general education classes. This means you may take coursework in English composition, mathematics, and social sciences. Regardless of the degree you pursue, you can feel confident your program will prepare you with the clinical and administrative skills you need to pass your medical assistant certification exams and begin working.
Expert Insight
To decide on which curriculum to opt for you can first take a look at job opportunities in the area. See what each employer requires certification-wise. This will make it easier to decide on which curriculum structure will work best for you. To allow you to secure your desired job after completing the program.
Certifications and Continuing Education for AZ Medical Assistants
In Arizona, medical assistant certification is not required to find employment. However, getting credentials that will make you more attractive to employers is still a good idea. Designations such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, the Registered Medical Assistant, and the Certified Medical Assistant are recognized by companies because they demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills needed in the industry.
Also, earning a certification is an excellent way to keep abreast of what’s happening in the industry. Healthcare is always on the move, so you must keep up with the trends and innovations that develop throughout your career. Since continuing education is required to keep a certification current, you can always continue learning.
For example, every 60 months, those with a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credential are required to have 60 credits of continuing education completed. These classes, which must be approved by the American Association of Medical Assistants, may cover medical terminology and clinical procedures.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Arizona
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 20,200 | 27,010 | 6,810 | 33.70% | 3,690 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Arizona | $37,840 | $45,440 | $50,580 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $39,680 | $44,410 | $49,710 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $36,310 | $41,890 | $47,780 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $38,930 | $46,090 | $54,260 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $36,750 | $45,140 | $53,710 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $35,430 | $39,920 | $45,130 |
| Tucson, AZ | $36,500 | $42,900 | $47,200 |
| Yuma, AZ | $35,140 | $38,630 | $44,920 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
